News

Abdominal screening service wins acclaim

PATIENTS across Worcestershire and Herefordshire have heaped praise upon a service offering free abdominal screening.

The Worcester Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening programme is offered to all men in the two counties when they turn 65 – more than 5,000 every year.

A recent patient satisfaction survey of 291 patients found 99 per cent would recommend the service to their friends and relatives and 100 per cent were happy with their experience.

AAA is caused when the aorta, the main blood vessel in the abdomen, weakens and starts to expand. Victims rarely notice any symptoms, but if left untreated the vessel can burst, which is usually fatal.

The programme’s manager Cathy Schorah said she was delighted by the feedback.

“We are thrilled that so many patients are happy with the service we provide,” she said. “It lets us know we are doing things right and boosts our team’s morale.”

The screening test takes about 10 minutes and results are available immediately.

Any men aged 65 or older who have not been screened can call 01905 733 830 to arrange an appointment.